The office leasing checklist we run for every corporate client

A commercial lease is a five- to nine-year commitment on your single largest fixed cost after payroll. It deserves the same rigour as any capital decision. Here is the checklist our leasing team runs, in order.

1. Requirement clarity. Headcount today, headcount in year three, seat density, floor-plate depth, cabin-to-open-plan ratio, meeting rooms, breakout, and IT room. Without this, every subsequent step drifts.

2. Micro-market scan. Not just the buildings marketed by developers — the ones sitting on landlord balance sheets, sub-lease opportunities, and pre-leased stock about to hit vacancy.

3. Building-grade due diligence. Structural age, DG backup, HVAC redundancy, lift traffic analysis, and OC/BU status. Skipping this is where painful surprises live.

4. Commercial framework. Rent, escalation, rent-free period, security deposit, common-area factor, fit-out timelines, and — most importantly — the exit clause.

5. Financial modelling. Landed cost per seat, not headline rent per sq ft. Include CAM, property tax, fit-out amortisation and IT infrastructure.

6. Legal review. Title chain, no-encumbrance, RERA where applicable, and society NOCs. Get this in writing before the LOI.

7. Fit-out orchestration. Design intent, single-source vs multi-vendor, project management fee, and defect liability. This is where 30–40% of client frustration originates.

8. Handover protocol. Snag list, warranty documents, spare parts, O&M manuals, and building-level induction for your facilities team.

9. Post-move review at 90 days. What worked, what didn't, what we would negotiate differently next time.

10. Renewal or exit strategy — planned at signing, not at expiry.